Infant and young child feeding

Infants and young children need proper nutrition to thrive and develop. But disturbingly high numbers of young children in our region suffer malnutrition, despite our region’s much vaunted economic growth.

Malnutrition begins in the womb. Malnourished mothers are more likely to give birth to low-birth weight babies, who are effectively born malnourished. Around 40 per cent of women in South-East Asia are underweight.

Low rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers should breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months of life. But rates of exclusive breastfeeding are low in our region. Many mothers are encouraged to give their babies infant formula, which is inferior to breast milk and often over-diluted or mixed with contaminated water.

Poor feeding practices. Many children in our region are given solid foods too early in life. Children are also not being fed at frequent enough intervals.

Monotonous diets. Malnutrition in our region usually stems from a lack of variety rather than a lack of food. This effectively starves children of essential nutrients.

Low status of women and children. Meat, fish and other protein-rich foods are still highly prized in many parts of our region and often reserved for adult males.